Downtown Art Gallery donates memorial

The Downtown Art Gallery, located 335 S. Washington Avenue in Titusville, donated a beautiful display memorializing Titusville Police Department Officers Steven House and Jack Schnell, who were both killed in the line of duty. (TPD image)

BREVARD COUNTY • TITUSVILLE, FLORIDA – The Downtown Art Gallery, located 335 S. Washington Avenue in Titusville, donated a beautiful display memorializing Titusville Police Department Officers Steven House and Jack Schnell, who were both killed in the line of duty.

Officer House lost his life in the line of duty on February 15, 1989, at age 36. He was a seven year veteran of the department.

On February 15, 1989, Officer House was at the range for firearms qualifications. He was called back to the police department to participate in an operation with the emergency response team (SWAT).

The operation centered around a suspected drug dealer, and the plan was to search the suspect’s residence for the presence of illegal drugs. The team entered the residence and took the suspect into custody; however, the suspect’s father ran to a bedroom and barricaded himself inside.

Officer Steven House

Officer House tried to talk the man into coming out, but he refused to do so. As Officer House introduced a distraction device into the room and began to enter, the man began firing.

Officer House received a fatal gunshot wound. The gunman was charged with murder. At the trial, he was found not guilty and was subsequently released.

Officer House left behind a loving wife, Mary Ann, and two young daughters.

Officer Schnell lost his life in the line of duty on December 31, 1982 at age 35. He was a 14 year veteran of the department.

Officer Jack Schnell

Officer Schnell was taken from us on New Year’s Eve 1982. Officer Schnell was working DUI patrol on his police motorcycle when he was struck and killed by a drunk driver.

Officer Schnell lost his life at age 35, leaving behind his wonderful wife, Mary, and a young son.

The drunk driver that took Officer Schnell from us was tried and convicted to 25 years in prison, but due to an alleged heart condition, he was released by the court system three years later.

ABOVE MAP:The Downtown Art Gallery, located 335 S. Washington Avenue in Titusville, donated a beautiful display memorializing Titusville Police Department Officers Steven House and Jack Schnell, who were both killed in the line of duty. The Downtown Art Gallery features 14 artists displaying a wide range of talents in varying mediums, from photography to sculpture.

The Downtown Art Gallery, located 335 S. Washington Avenue in Titusville, donated a beautiful display memorializing Titusville Police Department Officers Steven House and Jack Schnell, who were both killed in the line of duty. The Downtown Art Gallery features 14 artists displaying a wide range of talents in varying mediums, from photography to sculpture. (Image for Space Coast Daily)